EW Howell Construction and H2M architects + engineers celebrate grand opening of 48,000 s/f Oceanside Library

Oceanside, NY EW Howell Construction Group completed a renovation/addition project for the Oceanside Library. The project was started in 2022 and was completed in October 2024.

On October 27^th the Oceanside Library at 30 Davison Ave., held a grand opening, attended by community members and public officials. The event included speeches and tours of the library, and the presentation of a 50-year time capsule donated by the Friends of the Oceanside Library.

The existing library was 32,000 s/f, while the new library provides 48,000 s/f. The library is situated in a developed suburban area; parking and outdoor space were critical to maintain. Additional square footage was added by demolishing an existing one-story portion of the building and constructing a lower level, first floor, and second floor to match the existing levels of the portion of the building to remain.

The interior has natural light, wood ceilings, a wood paneled theater, a teen lightbox, a sunroom with a fireplace, patios for reading with outdoor gardens, and a “front porch” that connects the library to the community.

Unique spaces include a theater/stage, a STEM workshop, a podcast room, a demonstration discovery kitchen, a craft room, a café, and a gallery. Sought-after spaces such as meeting rooms and soft seating areas are provided in many sizes and configurations to provide a comfortable and welcoming space for all users. Spaces for all age groups are strategically located for ease of access, security, and sound control.

Throughout the building, technology is specifically designed to maximize functionality and versatility of each space and includes presentation and recording equipment, a room reservation system, Wi-Fi, power, and data access. Sustainability was integral to the decision-making process, with highly efficient HVAC and electrical systems, ultra-thermal fenestration packages, a robust building envelope, and low VOC/high recycled content materials and finishes specified throughout.

EW Howell Construction and the project team look forward to the positive impact the new Oceanside Library will have on the community for years to come.

Owner: Town of Oceanside/Oceanside Library

Design Architects / Engineers: H2M architects + engineers

Design Architects / Library Planning: MDA Designgroup Architects & Planners

Electrical Contractor: Gordon L. Seaman

Structural Engineering: H2M architects + engineers

Civil Engineering: H2M architects + engineers

Mechanical Engineering: H2M architects + engineers

Electrical Engineering: H2M architects + engineers

Fire Protection: H2M architects + engineers

Environmental Engineering: H2M architects + engineers

General Contractor: EW Howell Construction Group

Mechanical Contractor: RMS Industries of New York

Plumbing: Maccarone Plumbing & Heating

Others: Theatre Projects (Theater Design), Colburn Guyette (Kitchen Design), T-Squared (Wayfinding and Signage), Inside Source (Furniture), and Bibliotheca (Library Equipment).